Conceptions of adulthood: perspectives from Ghana

Abstract

The study is a descriptive survey of the dimensions of emerging adulthood criteria in a sample of university students (N=161; Male = 37.3%; mean age = 21.5; SD=4.41) in Accra, Ghana. The study investigated; the criteria that the Ghanaian sample deem necessary for becoming adults; whether or not the sample consider themselves as adults; whether emerging adulthood perceived criteria differed with year of study; and gender differences in emerging adulthood criteria. The study utilized standardized questionnaires including the Markers of Adulthood Questionnaire (MAQ). The results indicated that experiences of emerging adulthood were on the whole more similar than different to samples from other societies. Differences that emerged had to do with the differential focus on the subscales of the MAQ. Financial independence from parents was considered a more important marker for adulthood than residential and emotional independence from parents. A higher majority than in Western samples considered themselves as adults. Gender differences were minimal relating to only the independence and norm compliance subscales. Finally, second year students were found to significantly differ from fourth year students in their perception of compliance to societal norms indicating a more responsible social attitude with university progression.

Keywords: Emerging Adulthood; Ghana, University Students